The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
Likes
Comments
Share
@PanGrower
Follow
I think about the fact that it is no longer necessary to cut leaves. I cut it a lot, but I notice that many people cut a bunch of leaves at one time, although somewhere I read no more than 10% at a time. When I gave fertilizers, I always diluted them with water even more to reduce ppm Day 68: I added cal-mag to the diet because the leaves are really turning yellow from the bottom. 0.5 ml Day 70: I added 1 ml cal-mag
Likes
6
Share
@CalGonJim
Follow
1/12/26 4:18AM MONDAY.....💪💪💪💪👌 1/12 CANNAKAN DAY MEDICINAL SLAVERY WOULD MAKE HARVEST A BREEZE!! ABOUT THE LEDS Yes, the **Samsung LM301H EVO diodes** in your Mars Hydro lights (likely an FC-E series like FC-E3000, FC-E4000, or similar) are among the most efficient horticultural LEDs available right now—individual diodes hit **3.14 μmol/J** efficacy, pushing the whole fixture to around **2.85–2.9 μmol/J** PPE (photosynthetic photon efficacy) in manufacturer specs and independent tests. That's top-tier for full-spectrum grow lights, meaning they convert more electrical power into usable plant photons than older diodes or cheaper LEDs. If they "seem more efficient than the PPFD meter says" (your plants thriving at lower wattage/height adjustments), that's actually common and not a contradiction—it's often the **real-world efficiency** shining through once nutes/stress are fixed. Here's why this happens and what your recent wattage drop (a few more watts lower) likely means: ### Why Samsung LM301H EVO Can "Seem" More Efficient Than Raw PPFD Readings Suggest - **High PPE + Uniform Distribution**: These diodes excel at producing photons in the PAR range (400–700nm) with minimal waste (heat/loss). Mars Hydro FC-EVOs achieve strong average PPFD (e.g., 750–1000+ μmol/m²/s in tests at recommended heights/power) with even spread—no hot spots wasting energy. When your nutes were suboptimal (Advanced Nutrients issues), plants couldn't fully use the light (wasted photons → stress, stretch, lower efficiency). Now dialed in (GH powder + aminos + mycos), they convert more of that PPFD into growth—making the light "feel" stronger/more efficient even if meter numbers stay the same or drop slightly. - **Meter Limitations & Calibration**: - Handheld PAR meters (especially cheap/older ones) can under-read full-spectrum LEDs like LM301H EVO (strong white + red enhancement). They often have poor spectral response to the exact mix, reading 10–30% low compared to pro tools (Apogee SQ-500) or calibrated apps. - If you're using an app like Photone (mentioned in your diary), it's generally more accurate for Samsung full-spectrum lights (especially on iPhone; Android varies but often close with diffuser/paper). Many growers report Photone matching or exceeding cheap handhelds on LM301H setups—sometimes showing higher effective PPFD than a basic meter implies. - Bottom line: Your plants are the ultimate meter. Thriving (miraculous growth, no burn/stress) at lower wattage means the effective usable PPFD is higher than a potentially under-reading meter suggests—efficiency win. ### Your Wattage Drop & What It Means Lowering by a few more watts (on top of the earlier ~10% drop) is smart and aligns with the efficiency gains: - Dimming on Mars Hydro FC series is **very linear**—tests show PPFD percentage tracks close to (or slightly above) the dimmer % because diodes run more efficiently at lower currents (less heat/loss). - Example: Dropping from 100% to 90% might only reduce PPFD by ~8–10%, not full 10%, due to that efficiency curve. - Your plants handling it (still "miraculously better") without stretch or pale leaves confirms the sweet spot: likely 450–650 μmol/m²/s veg/late veg range now, with room to push if pistils emerge. - Solar bonus: Every watt saved = less battery drain on cloudy days, cooler tent (less fan/AC draw), and more headroom for extra plants without spiking consumption. **Practical next steps**: - Recheck PPFD (if using Photone/handheld): Average multiple canopy spots at current height/power—aim 450–600 for late veg autos, 600–800 early flower. - Watch response: If nodes stay tight/dark green/no cupping, you can drop another 5% or lower height slightly for denser canopy. - Log kWh if your inverter shows it—track the drop to celebrate the savings. - If meter still "under-says" vs. plant performance, trust the plants more—Samsung EVOs are proven beasts when the rest of the grow is dialed. This is textbook optimization: nute fix → better photon use → lower power for same/better results → solar efficiency skyrockets. You're building a truly lean system. How low are you at now (e.g., 70–75W total?)? Any pistils or new growth explosions today? Keep the momentum—it's paying off big. 🥊🍌👨‍🔬🚨🌞💪💪💪💪💪 1/15/26 12:36AM L-Phenylalanine: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Phenylalanine#section=Crystal-Structures That’s your Mars Hydro bar-style LED grow light setup in a compact grow tent (looks like a 2x2 or similar Spider Farmer tent branding on the mylar walls), running super efficiently right now! Breaking down what I see from the photos: • The light is a multi-bar LED fixture (probably from Mars Hydro’s FC series, like FC3000, FC4000, or a smaller EVO variant) with Samsung LM301H (or similar LM301B/H EVO) diodes—these are high-end, efficient chips known for uniform distribution, low heat, and great full-spectrum output (warm white + red/IR boosts for veg/flower). • It’s hung at 19 inches (measured from the light bars to the canopy or sensor plane, with that white dotted line marker). The tent shows a hygrometer/thermometer combo reading 76°F / 53% RH (nice stable veg conditions—cooler side helps prevent stretch). • Your PAR meter app is showing 327 μmol/m²/s PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) at that spot/height—solid reading for where you’re at. • Plants look like young cannabis in veg stage: multiple small pots (fabric or repurposed buckets like Krøger cottage cheese tubs—classic budget move!), healthy green canopy with some colorful accents (maybe early purpling or strain traits), topped or in early training, sitting in coco coir or similar media. • Power draw: ~50W current (from the energy usage screenshot), averaging super low over time (0.48–0.76 kWh daily average). That’s impressively efficient—likely dimmed way down or a lower-wattage model (e.g., 150–300W rated, but running at partial power). Total consumption over 30 days at ~14.5 kWh is pennies on the electric bill. This aligns perfectly with your earlier plan to target ~500 PPFD but getting great results at lower wattage/intensity. Right now at 19” and 327 PPFD: • That’s in the sweet spot for early-mid vegetative stage cannabis (typical recs: 300–600 μmol/m²/s for veg, starting lower ~300–400 for young plants to avoid stress, ramping up as they bush out). • Bar-style lights like this excel at even spread (no hot center like older quantum boards), so your canopy is getting consistent light without bleaching or stretch in spots. • Low power (49.6W) means minimal heat buildup—fans and passive cooling handle it easily, keeping temps/RH dialed (76°F/53% is golden for veg; prevents mold and encourages compact growth). Why it feels “great results at lower than recommended”: • Samsung diodes are top-tier efficient (often 2.8–3.1 μmol/J), so you hit usable PPFD without cranking full power. • Many Mars Hydro FC models recommend 18–24” for veg at 50–75% dim (your 19” fits right in). • Your plants are responding well—lush, no obvious deficiencies/stress, and you’re feeling physically ready to top/fill pots after the delay. To push toward your 500 PPFD goal without overdoing it: • Lower the light a few inches (try 16–18”) incrementally—PPFD scales roughly with the inverse square law, so dropping height boosts intensity noticeably (could jump 20–50% depending on spread). • Or bump dimmer % if it’s not maxed (your 50W draw suggests plenty of headroom). • Retest PPFD at multiple canopy spots for average (center often higher, edges lower in bars). • Watch for tacoing/upward leaf curl (too much light) or stretch (too little). This setup is dialed for low-energy, healthy veg growth—perfect for your “lower wattage wins” approach. Plants are happy, tent’s stable, and you’re crushing it efficiency-wise. If you drop the height or dim up, snap another meter reading/pic—I can help fine-tune further. How old are these ladies (weeks from seed/clone)? Any specific strain notes, or planning to flip to flower soon? Keep the momentum—today’s a win! 🌱💪😂
Likes
17
Share
Hello Growers & Tokers! Check out the leaves on these ladies! 😍 Super duper healthy they are and that's why they got topped this week. I highly doubt they'll suffer any stress from being topped. My plan is to have as an even canopy looking to have about 6-10 colas per plant. They got some chunky leaves on them which will be taken off next week before switching them to flower. These ladies are gonna get big! 😍 😍 Can't wait to have that lovely lemony aroma flowing in the mix. Take care out there and happy growing!
Likes
93
Share
Hi guys, What's up? Welcome back to Queen Peaky's Flower Gardens we immediately got busy repotting our autoflowers before giving them some heavy stress!
Likes
6
Share
Likes
35
Share
@Stinkfox
Follow
Almost half done flowering. Shes fully recovered from defoliation. She’s starting to smell pretty darn nice too! The stretch is completed. NOw we wait.
Likes
8
Share
Vamos familia, volvemos con las candy caramelo y es que pronto nos pedirán un trasplante y con este caos veremos cómo conseguimos sustrato. Ph controlado a 6,5 siempre hay que controlar este parámetro. Temperatura y humedad correcta En la 2 semana de crecimiento. Os dejo la web y el código para compras en mars hydro. web: http://bit.ly/2uJAjgy ts600: http://bit.ly/3cnv0Ev code: an420 Ya tengo ganas de ver como florecen estas niñas en las próximas semanas las vemos un saludo fumetillas.
Likes
30
Share
@Canadian
Follow
I use all 3 General hydroponic nutrients and they are two different pot sizes the Moby Dick is in 30 liter and the blue amnesia is in 18 liters has a very strong odor and blue amnesia is maturing at a faster rate then the Moby Dick. a scrog net is being used in order to give support to the upcoming buds. I am also actually on week 4 I just made a mistake calculating the week. this is my first grow ever. also I'm not sure if using the scroll net it's a good idea for support rather than tying those branches up . I am watering every two days feeding nutes every single time at 900 to 1000 PPM ph at 6.2 the plans have not show any signs of stress but I am worried if it is too much nutrients the plant seems to grow very fast after every watering and seems to be loving it. the blue Amnesia XXL Auto it's growing in soil with 30% Coco and the Moby Dick XXL auto it's growing in hydroponic soil. the seeds were germinated on jiffy's and 100% germination rate plus the genetics seems to me very resilient to heat and everything else including lots of nutrients. the moby Dick XXL auto are the two in the front closest to the camera the two farthest to the back of the tent are the two blue amnesiaXXL auto. today day 31 i did some pruning actually lots of pruning hopefully don't cause stress to the plants or even worse cause them not to bud that nicely regardless the scrog net seems to be working just fine helping them access more light and making it easy for cutting leaves that are no longer needed. 32 yesterday after watering and sleeping today they have show no signs of stress in fact they starting to stretch in the buds that we're not getting sufficient light have start to grow also yesterday from the 16 liters I prepare instead of 3 ml of grow formula I add 6 1/2 to compensate for stress and the need of healing and having new grow stretch. also temperature has dropped dramatically outside making my house cold down from 24 degrees C to 19° at night internal temperature is remaining the same from 30 to 26 C. Day 33 I have been raising the scrog net every day and the light everyday this plant is growing very fast I also notice that where the fan is hitting all the time that plant is bigger I have been moving the fan to other sections of the grow tent to see if any reaction happens and it looks like it makes the plant grow faster . I will not be moving the Scrog net any higher Rather I will introduce another one once they require more support . Day34 notice some of the top leaves are showing a curving down like over-watering without actually over water I think they're showing signs of too much nitrogen .for the next water session I will hold back on nitrogen until I see signs of a fully recovering meaning leafs pointing up. thank you for reading have a happy grow.
Likes
3
Share
Mildew was detected in the beginning if the week, the plant sprayed with solution of hydro peroxide to kill spores and then solution of apple vinegar to stop prevent new mold. It worked. I decreased the concentration of the watering solution and reduced light. A couple of daye left before harvest.
Likes
2
Share
It just goes to show great results can come from Autoflowering plants ! This is a incredible strain plenty of taste and smell. With a lovely relaxed stone great for anytime of the day ! But smoke to much and you will feel sleepy ! Great strain helps me sleep and feel relaxed ! Big smile on my face when I smell the buds crushed up in the Grinder 🔥🔥💨💨 zambeza seeds have got some fire at amazing prices !!🔥🔥💚
Likes
74
Share
📅 Week 10 | 🌼🌸🌺 Flower – Woche 4 🌼🌸🌺 🔸Our Lady 💃 continues to dance through the flowering phase – and how! The buds have grown significantly in volume and now appear more compact and firm. The white pistils are slowly turning orange, a clear sign that ripening is progressing. The trichomes are now ubiquitous – a glittering carpet of resin covers the flowers and gives them that coveted “frosty look.” The sugar leaves are also covered with crystals and have an intense aroma – a foretaste of what is to come. 🍬✨ 🔸The plant continues to receive Big Bud from Advanced Nutrients, which it acknowledges with a significantly increased thirst. I now water every two days. 📈 Current Conditions 🌡️🔆 = 27-28°C 🌡️🌜 = 21°C 💨 VPD = 1.4 💨 Humidity = 55% 🔦 PPFD = 900 µmol (12/12) 🔦⌚ DLI = ~38 🛠️ Setup (unchanged) 💡 Lights: 2 x Sanlight Evo 4-120 @ 90% ⛺ Tent: 120 x 120 x 180 🍯 Pot Size: 15 liters 🌱 Medium: Bio-Bizz Light Mix 💊 Nutrients: Advanced Nutrients 💧 Water: Tap water (EC 0.5)
Likes
5
Share
Die 3x Z-Up Autoflower von FastBuds sind sehr schnell gekeimt. Sie wurden in einem Glas mit klarem Wasser gekeimt. 💦 Es hat ~3 Tage gedauert. Dann ging es in den Lightmix von Plagron.
Likes
2
Share
@mTuff
Follow
Três das quatro plantas estão com sementes, acabei colhendo uma delas e as outras três vou colher semana que vem :(, para minha sorte eu tenho um lindo clone da única que não se tornou hermafrodita :(, foi muito difícil controlar o clima não sei aonde errei
Likes
4
Share
Sie zeigt was sie kann und pump volle Wucht alle Kraft in die Blüte. Dünger wurde von Wachstumsphase auf blühphase umgestellt.
Likes
14
Share
DIREKTE I UNDERLAGET OG HAR OVERLEVET MINUS 2 grader og 0 grader! Og er startet op udendørs også jeg elsker denne konkurrence! Held og Lykke med det hele til alle sammen på growD! From Nicogreen the one and only REAL NICOGREEN 💚💚💚💚💛🖤💚💛
Likes
1
Share
I can’t believe how much these girls have grown in seven days. I have been watering every seven days with recharge 1 tsp / gal for the last three weeks and the last four hours of the evening on watering days I have been soaping them down with insecticidal soap followed up by neem oil. I asked if anyone took their plants outside on another site as mine seemed to love the great weather the past three weekends, and the pest disease issue came up. I hadn't previously thought about that, and looking back, I am glad that I have been using some IPM.
Likes
9
Share
@Haoss
Follow
These seeds are grown in Georgia, LAGODEKHI x OG KUSH, seeds of the same variety should be grown in coconut and soil
Processing
Likes
7
Share
@Kushizlez
Follow
Day 17F-24F (Day 19) Man it’s such a shame that bbb#1 stunted out. It was so damn vigorous until it’s most recent feeding. I will make sure to cut back on teas next round as they can be a wild card sometimes. All 5 plants are packing on some serious early frost. But I’m not seeing too much chunk to the buds yet. My other grow that was flipped on the same day has almost no frost yet so that’s a good sign. (Day 21) Big strip today. I will pull off as many leaves as I need to ensure nearly all bud sites are exposed to adequate light. I’m still seeing excess N so I’m going to water in 2 gallons each until I get some runoff. The plants seem to be up taking water pretty decently so I’m going to push it a little with a heavier watering. Wow do the plants look amazing after that strip and flush! Everything is praying up beautifully, including #3 in the back. Let’s hope that gets it back on track now. (Day 22) I want to give a PK boost but all my bloom nutrients have way too much N and I don’t really want to risk it toxing anymore. I could give it a little bit of 0-18-0 bat guano and some 0-0-15 kelp extract but it could be completely unnecessary. I can’t see any signs of deficiencies but a small surplus couldn’t hurt either. (Day 23) I like how the ladies responded to the thorough watering. I will up my watering to 1 gallon every 48 hours from now on. It sucks to see how short bbb#1 is. I was expecting such a huge stretch but it never came because of that fucking tea! I should have leached the medium as soon as I saw stunting. It’s too bad because it definitely had the most potential for yield. (Day 24) I’m starting to think the main problem with bud size this round is all the topping I did early on. Not to mention they were vegging for nearly 3 months. I will try to pick off most of the larf before it wastes anymore energy. I think the ideal style of growing for bud size and veg time is a semi sea of green, or 6-8 plants per 25 square feet. I’m not a big fan of these giant plants as it’s a lot of wasted veg time and smaller bud size overall. The smell is really ramping up!